Let’s be real—if you’re running a business and only think about taxes in April, you’re leaving money on the table. Whether you’re a solo act, managing an LLC, or leading a growing team, having a solid tax plan in place can seriously reduce your IRS headaches, boost your profits, and keep those “surprise bills” out of your mailbox.
At Burgess Tax Relief, we work with small business owners across the U.S. (yep, not just Texas!) to build smart, legal, and custom tax strategies that support long-term success and keep the IRS from crashing your party.
Here are 6 tax planning moves every small business owner should be thinking about heading into 2026:
1. Activate Your Bookkeeping Game
Messy records are like expired milk no one wants to deal with them. Keep receipts, invoices, mileage logs, and expense records clean and updated. Good books = more deductions = less tax. It’s math that actually works in your favor.
2. Check Your Business Entity
Sole Prop, LLC, S-Corp… they’re not just fancy titles. The structure of your business impacts how much you pay Uncle Sam. If your setup hasn’t been reviewed in a few years, it might be time for a tune-up. We’ll help you figure out if your current structure is costing you money.
3. Max Out Those Deductions
You’d be surprised how many legit expenses can lower your taxable income. Don’t forget about:
- Home office costs
- Business meals and travel
- Equipment and software
- Internet and phone
- Continuing education and professional help
And no, saving receipts in a shoebox doesn’t count as “organized.” Review your expenses monthly so nothing falls through the cracks.
4. Make Retirement Work for You
Tax deductions and future security? Yes, please. Plans like a SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or Solo 401(k) can lower your tax bill while helping you build that retirement cushion.
5. Time It Right
When you make money and when you spend it can have a big tax impact. A few strategic moves:
- Defer income into next year
- Accelerate business expenses before December 31
- Use Section 179 to write off equipment fast
These are the kinds of moves that pay off when planned ahead not crammed into your tax return at the last minute.
6. Bring in a Tax Pro (That’s Us!)
Let’s be honest—TurboTax isn’t going to look out for your business goals. Working with a professional (hey there!) means:
- Custom strategies tailored to your business
- Avoiding costly IRS mistakes
- Staying ahead of tax law changes
- Planning for growth not just survival
At Burgess Tax Relief, we don’t just file and forget. We help you stay ahead of the game all year long.
Proactive tax planning helps you pay less, stress less, and sleep better. It’s not just about surviving tax season; it’s about running your business smarter.
Ready to create a tax plan that actually works for your business? Let’s talk. We’re here to help you win the tax game one smart move at a time. Book your first call with us and let’s get saving.
